I have a 4WD Tundra that I use to launch and retrieve an M17 from similar ramps. I cannot recall a time when I ever used anything but the rear wheels and that is without a tongue extension. I used a 2WD Suburban before that. If your ramp is that steep, I doubt you need the extension. She may float before the truck gets her feet wet. On May 8, 2012, at 5:44 AM, Jeffrey Johnston wrote:

I am a new owner of a M15 and have not yet launched her (Michigan).

My tow vehicle is a Chevrolet full-size pick up which is only two wheel drive.

I am having some worries as I look at my various lake launch ramps, some of which are rather steep. These trucks are nortoriously light in the rear end and I am concerned as to whether I may find myself sitting and spinning at launch and retrieve time.

I cannot afford a 4WD truck and thus am wondering what options other use (other than a tow truck) to launch and retrieve their Monty's if they are in my same shoes tow vehicle wise. My trailer does have a short (3-4 foot) tongue extension.

Thanks.

*Jeff+* Molōn labe!

You're lucky to have steep ramps... it's just the opposite here. My last sailboat was a 1400 lb Sandpiper 565..similar to, but a bit bigger than the M17. I was always struggling to push the boat off the trailer as I wouldn't immerse the rear wheels beyond the rubber into salt water. Retrieval was a long forced winch back onto the trailer. I used a Ford Ranger with it's underpowered 3.0 liter V6 and had no problems with power or traction. The weight your trailer tongue transfers to the drive wheels helps. If you have seaweed or kelp on the ramp, it could be a different result. On Tue, May 8, 2012 at 7:44 AM, Jeffrey Johnston <frjeff@gmail.com> wrote:

I am a new owner of a M15 and have not yet launched her (Michigan).

My tow vehicle is a Chevrolet full-size pick up which is only two wheel drive.

I am having some worries as I look at my various lake launch ramps, some of which are rather steep. These trucks are nortoriously light in the rear end and I am concerned as to whether I may find myself sitting and spinning at launch and retrieve time.

I cannot afford a 4WD truck and thus am wondering what options other use (other than a tow truck) to launch and retrieve their Monty's if they are in my same shoes tow vehicle wise. My trailer does have a short (3-4 foot) tongue extension.

Thanks.

*Jeff+* Molōn labe!

You can install a hitch ON THE FRONT of the truck. When you get to the ramp switch to the front tow hitch, keeping your drive tires on dry, slime free surface, OR put on a tongue extension or use a "come along" (block and tackle) hooked to the truck and the trailer, to leave the truck high and dry. -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+atrometer=gmail.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+atrometer=gmail.com@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Jeffrey Johnston Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2012 6:45 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Towing Vehicle Question I am a new owner of a M15 and have not yet launched her (Michigan). My tow vehicle is a Chevrolet full-size pick up which is only two wheel drive. I am having some worries as I look at my various lake launch ramps, some of which are rather steep. These trucks are nortoriously light in the rear end and I am concerned as to whether I may find myself sitting and spinning at launch and retrieve time. I cannot afford a 4WD truck and thus am wondering what options other use (other than a tow truck) to launch and retrieve their Monty's if they are in my same shoes tow vehicle wise. My trailer does have a short (3-4 foot) tongue extension. Thanks. *Jeff+* Molōn labe!